Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Thanks to my dear friend Ashley the blog is getting an "update." As we bring baby sister into the world I knew the blog would need an update. As my OCD self it has been bothering me that the our pictures were so out of date. The only solution with a toddler who is rapidly growing is make him a cartoon. LOL! I love it!!! I have also been contemplating the big name change/ becoming a .com in the process...to do something this HUGE took some major thinking. I will be under construction for a bit so please hang in there and continue to follow me. ;) Happy Hump Day everyone!

Sunday, February 26, 2012

So...again, the Type A person just won't quit-not until the job is done and done RIGHT! Ha~ I am still working on our my FOB, Family Organizational Binder, and loving it. Like I stated in the previous post I splurged and purchased a few printables and am so glad I did. Out of all 3 sets I ordered there were less than 5 I didn't print. YAHOO! I have everything printed off now to put it into categories...here is a list of the sheets I plan to use (give or take a few, I am sure I will change my mind as I continue)I will go into detail more in another post:

Saturday, February 25, 2012

"It" happened one these days...last pregnancy I went into labor at exactly 36 weeks. The Dr.'s say Ryder's death occurred only a few days before. I will be 36 weeks Sunday. I hate the thoughts and fears that go through my mind all day and night. There aren't many days left of this pregnancy...it's in the Lord's hands, I will continue remain in the Word and pray.

I am Type-A to the MAX and I know it. I don't know many other women with a 21 month old and a baby due in the next 2 weeks that decides to create the famous "family organizational binder." I know there are crazier things out there (like organizing your pantry till 1am using the new chalkboard contact paper I ordered) that a "nesting" mama can do but...I this simple project is becoming a bit overwhelming. -in a good way, of course- I love it! I have spent the past few of my "computer free time" looking at all different ideas and important information that goes in the binder. I think that's one thing that is making it so hard...there isn't a set template, everyone's family needs are different...therefore making the binder different. I would love to learn Photoshop but I probably never will. ;( so that leaves me buying or searching for free printables for my binder. Arg! I have a love/hate relationship with Pinterest for sure! LOL! It's a bit overwhelming. (some women even have a Pinterest section in their binders, yes-I am going to also!) A few of the blogs I read have created these binders already...one of them being La Buena Vida. She did an amazing job! I did use a few of her suggestions and tabs. I have pulled a little info. from lots of different places, including The Lilypad, where I finally decided to purchase a few printables to make my creation process a bit quicker. ;) They were great! I had them in my e-mail within the hour of ordering! LOVE IT!!! I will take pictures as the creation happens...as of now my printer is smokin'.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Earlier in the week I attended a luncheon with Mark recognizing his achievements. (among other student's at Logan) Since the program is year round and divided into trimesters the award students that make the Dean's List 3 tri's IN A ROW. The Dean's List is earning a 3.5 on Logan's grade scale. Mark would never say he did this or probably even tell me but we received an invitation to the luncheon and I saw it. ;) So proud of my Mr. He works so hard...and does so much!

The prego wife was proud but not enough to get up and get the picture. LOL! Sorry for the side shot, ha!

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

It's official...vacation 2012 is booked and we couldn't be more excited!! My in-laws are gracious enough to give us a week from their time share to the place of our choice. We wanted to try something we haven't done before but something that would still work with a 2 1/2 year old and an 8 month old. (since we planned to go in late Oct. early Nov.) After much thinking and planning we decided on Anaheim, CA!!! We are so excited!! There is so much to do there...

Disneyland...

Sea World

Lego Land

Universal Studios

It's going to be a wonderful 8 days as a family. I can't wait to see Wyatt enjoying all the fun. Hopefully Sloane will be a "go with the flow" kinda girl. Ha! One can only hope right?!!?

Let the planning begin...

(if anyone has suggestions about "must do" places we are open to any, thanks)

Monday, February 20, 2012

Expedite STL travel weekends weekends really keep me busy. Creating the list the week prior and then getting everything ready to go takes up ALL my free time! We decided to make our monthly trip an overnight trip since I am 35 weeks pregnant. 10 hours in the car and "shopping" for 8 isn't really in the cards for this prego. I am glad we stayed overnight. My dad and brother came along to help. It's such a blessing to have them so willing to help. We always have a great time together too! Even though this weekend was filled with work we did take a break Saturday night to go to Mark's parent's to wish his dad a Happy Birthday. We celebrated together with Mark's siblings last night. We all went to dinner and got ice cream from a new place called Orange Peel. It was so good! We had a family prayer before we entered the restaurant. We prayed that "Jesus would help remind Wyatt to be on his very best behavior." Ask and you shall receive...Wyatt was an angel!!!! Lately we have been really working on how he acts in public. We are trying to get consistent and not allowing him to get away with certain things that just aren't restaurant/public place acceptable. It's easier to do than re-do...(I have read that some where. Ha!) right?!!?!?

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

This Valentine's Day was spent mostly with Mark! I went to Jackson last night for another fun paint class (post coming soon) so my parent's offered to keep Buddy. I spent the night last night and headed home this morning. I got home just before Mark got home. He only had class and a few patients this afternoon so it was perfect! He did all his work last night so we could spend the afternoon and evening together. *so sweet* So much changes after children...V-day being one of them.

(V-day decor with some of Wyatt's crafts/artwork)

We had so much fun running errands together. Sound so corny I know but we just went where ever we wanted and spent time just looking around. When we have Buddy with us there is no "looking around." We get in and get out. LOL!

(a craft Wyatt made at MDO this month)

We went to the mall first and looked into a few stores. We had lunch at Qdoba in the mall. They had a Valentine's Day special "Give someone a kiss and get a buy get one entree." How fun right?!?! We had to kiss at check out but it was worth saving the $7...haha!!! After lunch we headed to my 34 week check up. ;)

*All is well with sister!!! 34.5 weeks and moving right along!*

After the appt. we went to a few more stores and it was time for dinner. We had plans to go to a fun little sub shop but got there to find they were closed. ;( We both love good'ol Panda Express and there is a new one near us so we decided to go there. So romantic right?!!? It was nice not to have to shove food down our throats. Ha! After dinner, even though we were stuffed, we drove through Starbucks and made our way back home. 6:45pm and we were in for the night. Perfect!!!

We have a few fun little gifts for Wyatt and I did take a few pictures of him today and yesterday while we were at my parent's so that will have to be in another post. Hope you'll had a great day and loved on someone. ;)

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Let me start by saying I know I am a little bias because they are my parent's but "oh well." I couldn't have asked for better parent's. I honestly don't think a child can say that and fully understand what it means until they have become parent's themselves. My mom and dad didn't just teach us "right from wrong" they taught us by being an example. Being examples of Godly, faithful, truthful, and patient parent's and even showing us what the meaning of being a friend means.

Earlier in the week is just an example of how true my parent's really are to their friends...
*We have been friends with *them* (not going to say names just in case they aren't ok w/it) since my brother, who is now almost 20, entered preschool. My mom met *her* one morning as they were walking their children into school. Actually I think my mom had offered to walk her son in since she had 2 other kids in car seats and was REALLY pregnant with her 4th child. That is where the friendship started...and it only grew from there.

As a family we spent lots of time together. We played at their house, they played at ours. We went on vacations together. As I got older I babysat a little for them too! Well into the friendship a change of jobs called for them to move. This was really hard on my brother because he was such good friends with the boys. They only moved 4 hours away and they continued their friendship...so have my parents.

Ok, enough background...the "mom" had been dealing with a headache for a few weeks. It ended up being a brain aneurysm that ruptured. She was in the e.r. waiting room when she had the seizure. She was immediately cared for and rushed into surgery. The "dad" is a very close friend of my dad's and got the phone call...without a blink my parent's were packing their bags. They stopped everything THEY had to do and put themselves 2nd. They have jobs, family, every day "stuff," they left that behind and began the 4 hour driving not knowing information or even how long they may be staying. Once they got there she was already undergoing her 2nd surgery...brain surgery...they spent time with the "dad" while he waited. With 3 of their children are out of state at college and one still in high school they began planning the way home for the children. They continued to stay at hospital...they went to their home and cleaned, they took care of their dogs, and helped make arrangements for the next few weeks. They stayed a few days...they witnessed a miracle. "She" is up and walking and talking...though the road ahead of them is long...God is faithful! My parent's plan to go back this weekend to be there for their friends. They stopped in for a on their way home. They were emotional, physically, and even mentally exhausted. They would never say it...but I could tell. It was and still is a scary situation.

My parent's set such a great example. So many people think their life is so important and just can't seem to make time for others...or when they do it's on "their time." Not my mom and dad...they have always lead by example, shown us what it means to be true to a friend. A friend, someone who isn't part of their "blood" but they still make them feel like family. My parent's MAKE THE CHOICE to be there for others...no matter the cost.

I pray Wyatt (and Sloane) will see that in Mark and I. I strive not just be a good friend but be one that they can count on and not just when it "works for me." I want to instill in my children the same characteristics my parent's have shown me...what the TRUE meaning of friend really is...

Friday, February 10, 2012

I read and follow many different blogs about grief. I also have found many different sites that sell gifts to raise money for "these" situations. (loss of child) Recently I came across this blog, Christian's Beach. She also has a Facebook page HERE. She is located in Australia and she too lost a child. She was inspired to start this project after having a dream, you can read about HERE. I placed an order for Ryder's name to be drawn in the sand. We recently received our copy:

If you have experienced a loss yourself or even if you know someone who has...you can place an order HERE.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

This year for Super Bowl we went to Kyle and Shelly's house to partttyyyyy. LOL! The party consisted of 5 couples and 7 children. It was crazy to say the least! We had pizza and all brought sides and dessert. What goes better with football than food?!?! I didn't get many pictures of adults but was able to snap a few of the kiddos.

Wyatt and Liv have a love/hate relationship and this was about the only second they weren't attacking each other.

Guys were playing cards...ladies we watching kids....

Playing cards while watching the game...hmm....

Wyatt looks really weird in this last picture. ;( He wouldn't sit still. Cousin Cruz is so good to him. We had to get a picture because they matched in their Woody p.j.'s

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

One of my IRL friends sent me an e-mail to a blogger she follows. The post was titled "25 things I want my son to know." I feel like I have been re-posting other posts a lot lately. Sorry for that...kinda...it's just such good words I feel the need to pass them on. ;)

I am writing this post for my son. He is only three years old, but he is growing so fast. Much of what I wrote to my daughter in the 25 Things I want My Daughter to Know post also applies to him. I wish them both the innocence of their childhood, the ability to laugh at themselves, a spiritual connection with God, and the desire to see the world. That being said, here goes:

1. When I look at you I see my heart.

I never imagined I had this much love to give until I had a baby. I never thought I could possibly have any more to give until I had you. You have taught me that my heart and my capacity to love is not fixed, it grows and grows and grows.

2. It’s okay to let go of your penis. It’s not going anywhere.

Since we finished potty training in our house, I’ve noticed that you hold your penis constantly. I just want you to know that it will be there forever and you have your whole life ahead of you to play with it.

3. I will be happy to buy you a pink ball, a pink balloon, or a pink toothbrush if you so choose.

I understand that through your eyes the color pink is just that, a color. It really makes no difference to you – and therefore should make no difference to me whether you want to wear a pink superhero cape or wings.

4. Your nose is NOT an appropriate place for the following items: crayons, beads, marbles, cheerios, pasta, peas, carrots, french fries, legos, q-tips, or your finger. Period.

5. Play. Draw. Paint. Create.

Creating art should be a constant in your life. It lends an open eye to an ever-moving journey and encourages individuality and expression. If you’re doing it right – I expect to see fingerprints on walls, paint on floors, mud on the carpet and even in your hair. Go ahead, experiment!

6. On the other hand, there are rules that need to obeyed when you are in a home. You need to respect others and their possessions. I know boys will be boys, but this is not at all what I have in mind when it comes to creating art or playful fun. In fact, this is a lesson in doing it all WRONG! I would not be happy.

I would be so pissed.

7. Take your time summoning your inner genius.

There is a competitiveness that seems to have taken hold of every elementary school and playground in America. The pressure to learn more – faster, quicker, better than your peers. Never mind that mumbo jumbo. Learning takes time and everyone does it differently.

8. Explore the outdoors.

Get outside as much as possible. Breathe the fresh air. Play tag. Ride bikes. Skip. Hop. Jump. Run. NOW.

9. Accept others for who they are.

In an age where bullying has taken precedence amongst our youth, I hope I have taught you to see the value in differences. Preps, Emo, Punk, Popular, Nerds, Drama, Jocks – bottom line: It doesn’t matter. Power lies in friendship.

10. Always keep moving forward.

There will be times in your life when you feel stuck. It’s up to YOU to decide whereyou’ll go. Keep on trekking. Go, go, go kid. You’ll move mountains.

Oh the Places You’ll Go!

11. You are Superman.

To me – you really do have superhuman strength and speed, the ability to defy the laws of gravity, and immunity to almost all forms of harm. How else would you be able to move the desk into the hallway, climb on top of it, “fly” off it – smack right into the wall and get up and walk away unscathed? Answer: You are Superman. Case closed.

12. Love letters are legacies.

In such a fast-paced world, we often overlook the simplest yet sweetest gestures in regards to love. A love letter written from the heart is a welcome treasure amidst the sea of endless emails and texts that consume us daily. They are refreshing, candid, and romantic. Ask your father to teach you, he’s a pro.

13. It’s okay to cry.

Crying is a natural emotional response to feelings. We all do it. Men cry. Women cry. Children cry.

14. Always be proud of who YOU are.

You may not be the quarterback of the football team, the homecoming king, or the lead singer in the band – but really now, who cares? As long as you stay true to who you are, everything else will fall into place. Checkmate.

15. No respectable girl wants to see your penis.

Since you will be growing up in the technological age of iPhone and texting, you’ll inevitably come to learn the term “sexting.” Let me tell you now that sexting is a big, big, BIG mistake. Never ever, ever, ever, ever send a picture of a private body part to anyone. Ever.

16. I hope I teach you well enough from a young age how to properly put on pants. One leg in, then the other, pull ‘em up at least to your hips, zip, button, buckle. Done.

17. Think before you ink.

Tattoos are permanent. I can personally name two of your male relatives who wake up every single day with the pink panther and the tasmanian devil following them wherever they go. Little secret – mommy has a damn turtle she can’t seem to shake.

18. Be an apprentice.

Before you leave for college, you must acquire some skill at performing the following tasks: laundry (separating, washing, drying, folding), making the beds, dusting, washing the floor, cooking, cleaning the toilets, grocery shopping for the week, vacuuming, emptying the dishwasher, sweeping the floor, cleaning the bedroom, watering the plants, feeding the pet. Your future wife will thank me.

19. Be a responsible traveler.

I have no problem with you hitting the open road and taking the old Volvo on a cross country adventure. In fact, I will applaud your independence and desire to see the country from sea to shining sea – but please don’t make me have to book a 3:00am flight to God knows where to visit you in the hospital.

20. Find your passion.

Keep looking and searching. Never stop.

21. You will be my son forever.

There is an old adage that starts, “A son is a son till he takes a wife…” As you grow, I pray our bond stays strong enough to break any truth this saying might hold.

22. Love your Mother Earth.

Recycle, reduce, reuse. Going green isn’t just a trend, it’s a way of life we should all be adopting. It requires an awareness of how you live, shop, and consume. An eco-friendly lifestyle will positively impact your health, your community, and your world. Got that? Now go hug a tree.